Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 17,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.
The Group’s Global Head Quarters are in the UK, with subsidiaries in approximately 40 countries, and sales in more than 100. S+N is a constituent member of the FTSE100 on the London Stock Exchange and had annual sales in 2024 of $5.8 billion.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Indirect Tax Director to lead and manage our global indirect tax function for a 12-month period. Alongside responsibility for compliance with indirect tax regulations worldwide this role also provides valuable support to our commercial operations. You will work cross-functionally with finance, legal, and operational teams to influence key business decisions and contribute to S+N’s continued growth.
The role is principally based in Croxley, Watford with the opportunity to work remotely 3-4 days per week.
Responsibilities:
1. Elevate the tax department’s value and visibility within the organisation, primarily through providing strategic advice and partnering on international operations, supply chain, and commercial initiatives.
2. Support talent development and oversee a high performing indirect tax compliance team, based in Poland and Malaysia, working together with the country finance teams and S+N’s outsource provider.
3. Lead on global indirect tax strategy while working with the rest of the Group Tax team on transfer pricing, supplier contracting and M&A-related matters
4. Lead tax audits, manage disputes, and liaise with tax authorities where required.
5. Manage special projects as they arise, including supporting with automation/tax digitalisation projects and the ongoing implementation of a global tax determination engine (Thomson Reuters OneSource) outside the US.
Experience:
The successful candidate will have trained in a top-tier accounting firm and have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, having worked 2-3 years in-house at a global MNC with complex supply chains. Relevant industry experience and/or Thomson Reuters OneSource Tax Engine implementation experience would be a significant plus.
Competences:
6. Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing global tax teams, fostering a culture of performance excellence and collaboration
7. Excellent communicator with the ability to win confidence and influence across a wide range of internal stakeholders
8. Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to balance risk management and business enablement
9. Positive outlook, confident and robust under pressure
10. Proactive self-starter with ability to prioritise and manage time effectively
11. Expertise in international VAT/GST and other indirect taxes, including emerging digital tax trends
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Licenses/ Certifications: ACA or ATII/CTA
Physical Demands : N/A
Travel Requirements: <10%